Arlene Pellicane

New Year’s Resolution: Fresh Start or False Start?

Don’t begin the New Year with half-hearted promises. Learn 4 keys to making and keeping your resolutions in 2008.

If you’ve said it once, you’ve said it a million times. "This year I will ____." Maybe you want to eat healthier food, lose weight, or spend more time with your kids. Maybe you want to lose your pregnancy weight once and for all. How would you fill in the blank?

Do you know anyone who has given up on making New Year’s resolutions? It’s easier to aim for nothing, after all you don’t have to live with the guilt of broken promises. But when you dare to dream and put a plan of action into place, you will grow into a better person. The passing of the calendar year becomes more meaningful. Here are 4 keys to help you enjoy a fresh start in 2008:

1. Tell someone about your goal. When you make a decision to change, no matter how big or small, share it with someone you care about. Ask that person to keep you accountable. Give him or her permission to check on your progress on a regular basis.

2. Start with small steps. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by making your goal too astronomical. Running a marathon isn’t a realistic goal for most people, but maybe running 5 miles would be a workable goal. Break down your big dreams into small doable steps. Instead of being overwhelmed by the mountain of work ahead, take a few paces in the right direction each day.

3. Track your progress. Let’s say your New Year’s resolution is to be more hospitable, so you make the commitment to host 12 dinners over the course of the year. Make a list of the people you would like to invite to your home. When those people come over, check their names off the list. Keep your New Year’s resolution and/or list in a place where you will see it often (or else you will forget about it).

4. Celebrate your victories. As you track your progress, you will see tremendous growth! Maybe you’re learning how to play the piano. When you can play a particular piece, celebrate by getting a CD by your favorite artist. Take time to enjoy and savor your successes.

Your calendar is clean with no mistakes in it. Be the one who makes New Year’s resolutions and keeps them. No more false starts for you, only incremental change that lasts!

Today’s Action Step: What is your New Year’s resolution? Which of these 4 keys will you practice to ensure your success?

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